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Study medicine in English at Riga's long-established, EU-standard medical universities - globally recognised degrees rooted in over a century of Latvian medical tradition.
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Latvia
Country
Riga
Main study city
Riga Stradins University
Top medical university
English
Medium of instruction
Top Universities
Latvia has two state universities that teach the full six-year medical programme in English - Riga Stradins University and the University of Latvia - both based in the capital, Riga, and both listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
Introduction
Degrees are recognised across the EU and by India's National Medical Commission, so graduates go on to practise across Europe, the UK, the USA, Canada and India after clearing the relevant licensing examination. With a safe, walkable capital, a low cost of living and a growing Indian community, Latvia offers Indian students a genuinely world-class route into medicine.
University faculty building in Riga
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Download our free brochure for tuition, living costs, eligibility and the complete application process.
Academic Excellence
A globally recognised, English-taught medical degree in one of Northern Europe's safest and most affordable capitals, with a large international student community.
Get all information about MBBS abroad
Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying medicine in Latvia.
Where You'll Study
Latvia's English-medium medical programmes are based in Riga, the capital and medical hub. Nearby Baltic towns add to a rich, affordable student life.
The capital and largest city, home to both Riga Stradins University and the University of Latvia's Faculty of Medicine, along with the country's main teaching hospitals. Riga blends a UNESCO-listed old town with modern healthcare infrastructure and a large international student community.
A Baltic seaside resort town about 25 km from Riga, easily reached by train and popular with students for weekends, summer beaches and quieter, affordable living within commuting distance of the Riga campuses.
A scenic town in the Gauja National Park, around an hour from Riga, known for medieval castles, forests and outdoor activities - a favourite short getaway for students during the study year.
Which Latvian city suits you best?
Get a personalised recommendation based on your budget, course and lifestyle.
Program Structure
Medical universities in Latvia follow European Union standards, delivering a structured, modern six-year programme taught entirely in English and focused on clinical training, leading to the MD (Medical Doctor) degree, equivalent to MBBS.
Total Duration:
6 Years
Degree:
MD - Medical Doctor (equivalent to MBBS)
Years 1-2
Basic medical sciences and foundational subjects focused on understanding the structure and function of the healthy human body:
Years 3-4
Paraclinical sciences and the first structured patient contact, bridging laboratory science and bedside medicine:
Years 5-6
Clinical rotations across the specialties in university teaching hospitals with direct patient care under supervision, concluding in the State Final Examinations:
Important: The syllabus structure may vary slightly between Riga Stradins University and the University of Latvia; however, both follow the six-year, EU-standard curriculum model.
Get the full curriculum
Download a free brochure to see detailed subjects, the course structure and everything you need to plan your studies.
Recognition & Prestige
Medical degrees from Latvia are recognised by leading medical bodies worldwide, so graduates can pursue licensing and practice across multiple countries.
NMC/MCI
National Medical Commission / Medical Council of India (India)
WDOMS
Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
WFME
Aligned with World Federation for Medical Education standards
EU
Within the European Higher Education Area (EU)
Is a Latvian medical degree right for you?
Get complete recognition, licensing and career details for Indian students from our experts.
Admissions
Indian students can apply for MBBS in Latvia directly after Class 12, subject to the university's admission assessment and English-language requirement.
The student must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry and Biology and a strong academic record.
Subjects:
Minimum aggregate percentage required in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
| Category | Min. % |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 50% |
| OBC / SC / ST | 40% |
| PwBD | 45% |
Candidates must be at least 17 years old by 31 December of the admission year.
Applicants must clear the university's admission assessment and meet the English-language requirement.
Admission Assessment
Selection is based on the university's admission assessment in Biology and Chemistry (entrance test and/or interview conducted by the Faculty of Medicine).
English Proficiency
B2+ level (IELTS / TOEFL / Cambridge) if prior education was not in English.
Important: A valid NEET qualification is required for Indian students to later pursue licensing (FMGE / NExT) and practise in India, even though admission itself is through the university's own procedure.
Check your eligibility for free
Share your marks and we'll tell you exactly which Latvian universities you qualify for.
Affordable Education
Latvia offers world-class medical education at a comparatively low cost of living. Here is the approximate monthly breakdown for a student in Riga.
| Cost Component | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹16,000 - ₹32,000 |
| Food | ₹13,000 - ₹22,000 |
| Transportation | ₹2,500 - ₹3,500 |
| Utilities & Internet | ₹4,000 - ₹7,000 |
| Miscellaneous / Leisure | ₹3,000 - ₹6,000 |
Average monthly living cost
₹45,000 - ₹72,000
How to Apply
Admission to General Medicine is through each university's own admission procedure (an assessment in Biology and Chemistry), not NEET. International applicants apply online, complete the assessment and confirm their place once admitted.
Choose your university and programme, complete the online application, and upload your academic documents, passport and English-proficiency proof before the deadline (typically spring to summer for the September intake; RSU also has a February intake).
Admission Guidance & Document Checklist
Get the complete document checklist or step-by-step admission guidance from our experts.
About the Destination
Historic university faculty building in Latvia
Modern medical education in Latvia began in 1919, when the Faculty of Medicine was founded at the University of Latvia in Riga. In 1950 the faculty grew into a dedicated Riga Medical Institute, later renamed Riga Stradins University after Pauls Stradins (1896-1958), revered as the father of Latvian medicine. Together these institutions built a deep tradition of scientific medicine in the Baltic region.
Historic architecture in Riga
After Latvia regained independence in 1991 and joined the European Union in 2004, its universities expanded English-medium medical programmes for international students. Today Riga is a modern, internationally respected medical-education hub, training students from across the world to EU standards at Riga Stradins University and the University of Latvia.
Get all information in our free brochure
Discover how you can fulfil your dream of studying medicine in Latvia.
Role in Medicine
Riga Stradins University building
Latvian medical faculties are attached to major university teaching hospitals - such as Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital and Riga East Clinical University Hospital - where students gain supervised, hands-on experience across paediatrics, cardiology, oncology, surgery and other core specialties from the clinical years onward.
University teaching room in Latvia
Latvia contributes to medical science through work in pharmacology, immunology, public health and clinical research. English-medium programmes attract students worldwide, creating diverse, research-driven learning environments in Riga.
Modern university building in Riga
Through Erasmus+ and international collaborations with institutions across Europe and beyond, Latvian universities emphasise public health, medical ethics and patient-centred care - preparing graduates for both patient-facing careers and academic or laboratory-based medicine.
Get all information in our free brochure
Read on to find out how you can build your medical career from Latvia.
Your Roadmap to Success
Graduates earn the MD (Medical Doctor) degree, recognised across the EU under Directive 2005/36/EC and respected worldwide, opening career opportunities in both India and abroad.
After the primary medical degree, graduates can enter structured residency training within the EU or in India after clearing the relevant licensing route. Key requirements include:
Licensing Exam
Clear the relevant licensing examination for the country where you intend to practise (FMGE/NExT for India, USMLE for the USA, PLAB for the UK).
Clinical Internship
Complete a supervised clinical internship - a one-year CRRI in India, or the host country's equivalent - before independent practice.
Medical Registration
Register with the relevant medical council (NMC or a State Medical Council in India) to obtain a permanent licence to practise.
Understand the Medical Licensing Pathway
A clear overview of the exams and requirements after graduation.
Our Blog
Articles that turn complex MBBS-abroad rules into simple, practical steps for students and parents.
Ratings
Hear from students and alumni about their experience studying MBBS in Latvia.
4.7
132 reviews
Compare
Compare studying MBBS in Latvia with a leading Indian medical college.
Quick Comparison:
Riga Stradins University vs AIIMS New Delhi
| University | Riga Stradins UniversityRiga, Latvia | AIIMS New DelhiNew Delhi, India |
|---|---|---|
| University Type | Public | Public (autonomous) |
| Medium | English | English |
| Course Duration | 6 years (MD) | 5.5 years (MBBS) |
| Tuition (per year) | ~₹11-14 lakh | ~₹1,628 total (nominal) |
| Admission | University admission assessment | NEET-UG |
| Recognition | WDOMS / EU; NMC-eligible via screening | NMC-recognised |
| Global Ranking | QS #1001-1200 (2026) | QS #~623 (2026) |
Compare Top MBBS Universities for Me
See key differences in fees, ranking, eligibility and recognition.
FAQ
Short answers to the questions students and parents ask most often about MBBS in Latvia.
